By Melissa Wagoner It’s been 40 years, nearly to the day, since Laura Wanker became a part of the Silverton community, initially working as an educator and volunteer tutor, mentor and educational advocate for students at Silverton High School before joining the Silverton Area Community Aid’s (SACA) board. “Laura Wanker’s impact on the Silverton community is broad and substantial,” former superintendent […]
The annual “celebration of Silverton’s amazing volunteer spirit” will be held Saturday, Feb. 17 in The Oregon Garden’s J. Frank Schmidt Pavilion, 879 W. Main St., Silverton. The event showcases what’s special in the Silverton community and the impact volunteerism can have in a small town. Honorees for 2023 include: Laura Wanker – First Citizen John Friedrick – Distinguished Service […]
By James Day The oohing and aahing echoed throughout the cavernous warehouse building. “We’re so excited,” Silverton Area Community Aid board member Laura Wanker, who along with fellow board member Kathleen McCann, was giving Our Town a tour of the old Ratchet Brewery building in North Second Street on March 1. SACA, which provides food aid and other community services […]
By Melissa Wagoner This spring the League of American Bicyclists ranked the state of Oregon as the second most bicycle friendly state in the nation – number one on the West Coast. But what do Willamette Valley cyclists think? A panel of avid cyclists from the Silverton and Mount Angel area weighed in. Laura Wanker “I’m pretty satisfied with […]
Laura Wanker and Helen Thomas understand kids. It might take them only a few hours, a couple of weeks or many months, but they invest the time to learn about their students because of their genuine love, understanding, education and passion.
